Ultimate Waterproof Cameras InformationFor Action and Underwater Photography 2025

David Schloss, Editor-in-Chief and The Imaging Resource Staff

More than a decade in the past, I used to be on a visit to Hawaii and went on an evening snorkel with manta rays. The lights of the ships entice the plankton, which in flip entice the rays. (This actually is bating, and I wouldn’t do that journey once more, for the document.)

I introduced an Olympus waterproof digital camera to {photograph} the rays. It was among the best waterproof cameras of its period, however it nonetheless produced the legendary terrible video from that time on, in digital video cameras. The manta rays are barely recognizable within the video, however not less than I’ve the reminiscences.

From snorkeling expeditions to excessive motion sports activities, waterproof cameras have developed from fundamental point-and-shoot fashions into refined imaging instruments able to gorgeous underwater images and videography, with rugged out of doors efficiency. Today’s waterproof cameras can deal with depths round fifty toes with out housings, shoot in 4K decision, and ship cinematic stabilization that rivals skilled gear. Some of the cameras on this listing have been discontinued as the standard of motion cameras has improved, however most can nonetheless be discovered on-line

Our Picks at a Glance

Best Waterproof Cameras: Our Top picks

Traditional waterproof compact cameras supply zoom lenses, guide controls, and infrequently superior nonetheless images in comparison with motion cameras. These cameras sometimes characteristic bigger grips, bodily management buttons, and are designed for normal images fairly than simply motion sports activities.

Waterproof Compacts

Budget

The WG-90 is a rugged workhorse that withstands excessive circumstances with out criticism, providing sensible sturdiness at an accessible value level. Features built-in LED lights for macro images.

Budget

A compact waterproof point-and-shoot with 5x optical zoom and fundamental underwater modes. Although discontinued, it stays out there by retailers and gives respectable efficiency for informal underwater images.

Best

The TG-7 units the usual for waterproof compacts with a 50-foot depth score, superior macro capabilities, and complete underwater capturing modes. Features a 12MP BSI CMOS sensor, 4x optical zoom, and an intensive accent ecosystem.

Discontinued however Still Available

A discontinued however nonetheless glorious waterproof compact with 5x zoom, 4K video, and strong development. While now not in manufacturing, it stays a stable alternative for many who can discover it.

Ultimate

A specialised underwater digital camera system with 64GB storage, built-in gentle, and complete diving equipment included in a whole package. Designed particularly for critical underwater images fairly than normal use.

Best

The WG-8 represents Pentax’s flagship waterproof compact digital camera, providing complete environmental safety with 65-foot (20m) waterproofing, 2.1-meter shockproofing, and -10°C freeze resistance. Features a 20MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor, 5x optical zoom (28-140mm equal), and built-in LED ring gentle for distinctive macro images.

Discontinued purchase Still Available

A rugged waterproof compact with 4.6x zoom and intensive environmental safety. While discontinued, it supplied superior options for its time and should be discovered by specialty retailers.

Action Cameras

Action cameras prioritize video high quality, compact dimension, and excessive sturdiness. These cameras excel at capturing dynamic footage with glorious stabilization and are good for mounting on helmets, boats, or underwater housings. Most supply 4K recording and superior options like sluggish movement and time-lapse modes.

Budget

The Ace Pro 2 brings 8K video recording and revolutionary options to motion cameras, although it focuses extra on video decision than underwater-specific options. Good for customers who prioritize most video high quality.

Best Reviewed

The Action 5 Pro revolutionizes motion cameras with 66-foot waterproofing with out a case, 64 GB built-in storage, and a stress sensor for depth monitoring. Its 1/1.3-inch sensor delivers distinctive low-light efficiency with 13.5 stops of dynamic vary.

The Hero 13 Black maintains GoPro’s status with 5.3K60 video, industry-leading HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, and compatibility with new HB-series modular lenses. Features magnetic mounting and a bigger 1900mAh battery.

Ultimate

This professional-grade ultra-compact encompasses a 1-inch sensor and Zeiss lens in a tiny waterproof physique rated to 33 toes and constructed like a titanium field with pro-level 4K video capabilities. It’s a tiny digital camera, so it wants a case with a strap.

This is the one 360-degree digital camera we all know of that may go all the way down to thirty toes with out a housing. This 360-degree digital camera captures 8K video and means that you can reframe motion after capturing, good for actions the place aiming is tough. Features embody replaceable lenses and excessive sturdiness.

Comparison Chart

FAQs

What’s the distinction between motion cameras and waterproof compacts? Action cameras prioritize video high quality, compact dimension, and mounting versatility, making them very best for sports activities and dynamic actions. Waterproof compacts supply conventional digital camera controls, optical zoom lenses, and infrequently higher nonetheless images, however are sometimes bigger and fewer mountable.

How deep can I dive with these cameras with out a housing? The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro leads at 66 toes with out housing, adopted by the OM System TG-7 at 50 toes. Most motion cameras, just like the GoPro Hero 13 Black, are restricted to 33 toes. For deeper diving, you’ll want waterproof housings.

Do I would like particular settings for underwater images? Yes, most waterproof cameras embody devoted underwater modes that regulate coloration steadiness and white steadiness for various depths. Cameras just like the TG-7 supply shallow, mid, and deep water modes, whereas the DJI Action 5 Pro has computerized coloration temperature adjustment.

Can these cameras deal with saltwater? All cameras talked about can deal with saltwater, however it is best to rinse with contemporary water after saltwater use and dry completely earlier than storage. Avoid sizzling springs or excessive underwater environments, as they’ll injury seals.

What equipment do I would like for underwater images? For fundamental snorkeling, these cameras work as-is. For critical underwater work, take into account exterior strobes for coloration correction, purple filters for deeper water, and underwater housings for prolonged depth functionality. GoPro has the most important accent ecosystem, whereas the TG-7 works with skilled underwater strobe techniques.

How vital is picture stabilization for underwater video? It is important as a result of water motion creates fixed digital camera shake. GoPro’s HyperSmooth 6.0 is taken into account industry-leading, whereas DJI’s RockSteady 3.0 and HorizonSteady present glorious 360-degree stabilization.

Should I purchase a present mannequin or lower your expenses on the final technology? Previous technology fashions just like the DJI Osmo Action 4 supply glorious worth at considerably decrease costs, particularly should you don’t want the newest options. However, present fashions present higher battery life, waterproofing, and low-light efficiency.

What reminiscence card do I would like for 4K video? Use V30 or UHS-3 rated microSD playing cards for 4K recording. Professional fashions might require V60 or V90 playing cards for larger body charges. The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro contains 47GB of built-in storage as backup.

Can I exploit these cameras for normal images when not underwater? Absolutely. These cameras excel at journey, journey, and out of doors images. The OM System TG-7 significantly shines for macro images of bugs and small topics, whereas motion cameras are good for capturing actions and adventures.

Do I would like dive insurance coverage for these cameras? GoPro gives “no questions asked” alternative for subscribers, and lots of producers present care plans. For costly cameras utilized in difficult circumstances, take into account further safety. Check in case your house owner’s or dive insurance coverage covers digital camera gear earlier than buying separate protection.